Delivery of sedative-hypnotics through an inhalation route

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the delivery of sedative-hypnotics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing sedative-hypnotics that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a sedative-hypnotic drug is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises a sedative-hypnotic, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles with less than 5% sedative-hypnotic drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a sedative-hypnotic through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of a sedative-hypnotic drug composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/150,857, entitled “Delivery of Sedative-Hypnotics Through an Inhalation Route,” filed May 17, 2002, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/294,203 entitled “Thermal Vapor Delivery of Drugs,” filed May 24, 2001, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni and to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/317,479 entitled “Aerosol Drug Delivery,” filed Sep. 5, 2001, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the delivery of sedative-hypnotics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing sedative-hypnotics that are used in inhalation therapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of compositions currently marketed as sedative-hypnotics. The compositions contain at least one active ingredient that provides for observed therapeutic effects. Among the active ingredients given in sedative-hypnotic compositions are zolpidem, zaleplon, and zopiclone.

It is desirable to provide a new route of administration for sedative-hypnotics that rapidly produces peak plasma concentrations of the compound. The provision of such a route is an object of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the delivery of sedative-hypnotics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing sedative-hypnotics that are used in inhalation therapy.

In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of a sedative hypnotic. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of a sedative hypnotic.

Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μg.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of sedative-hypnotic degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of sedative-hypnotic degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of sedative-hypnotic degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁶ particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁷ particles/mL or 10⁸ particles/mL.

Typically, the aerosol particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3.0. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.2.

Typically, the aerosol is formed by heating a composition containing a sedative-hypnotic to form a vapor and subsequently allowing the vapor to condense into an aerosol.

In another composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone.

Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μg.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.5 mg/L and 40 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 20 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 10 mg/L.

Typically, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁶ particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁷ particles/mL or 10⁸ particles/mL.

Typically, the aerosol particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3.0. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.2.

Typically, the aerosol is formed by heating a composition containing zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone to form a vapor and subsequently allowing the vapor to condense into an aerosol.

In a method aspect of the present invention, one of a sedative-hypnotic is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. Preferably, the composition that is heated comprises at least 10 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic. More preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic.

Typically, the particles comprise at least 5 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic.

Typically, the condensation aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μg.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of sedative-hypnotic degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of sedative-hypnotic degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of sedative-hypnotic degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, the particles of the delivered condensation aerosol have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3.0. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.2.

Typically, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁶ particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁷ particles/mL or 10⁸ particles/mL.

Typically, the rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of the delivered condensation aerosol is greater than 10⁸ particles per second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10⁹ inhaleable particles per second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10¹⁰ inhaleable particles per second.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.5 mg/second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.75 mg/second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 1 mg/second, 1.5 mg/second or 2 mg/second.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol results in a peak plasma concentration of a sedative-hypnotic in the mammal in less than 1 h. Preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.5 h. More preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, or 0.005 h (arterial measurement).

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is used to treat insomnia.

In another method aspect of the present invention, one of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. Preferably, the composition that is heated comprises at least 10 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone. More preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone.

Typically, the particles comprise at least 5 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone.

Typically, the condensation aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μg.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, the particles of the delivered condensation aerosol have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3.0. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.2.

Typically, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.5 mg/L and 40 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 20 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 10 mg/L.

More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1.5 mg/L and 7.5 mg/L.

Typically, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁶ particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁷ particles/mL or 10⁸ particles/mL.

Typically, the rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of the delivered condensation aerosol is greater than 10⁸ particles per second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10⁹ inhaleable particles per second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10¹⁰ inhaleable particles per second.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.5 mg/second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.75 mg/second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 1 mg/second, 1.5 mg/second or 2 mg/second.

Typically, between 0.5 mg and 40 mg of drug are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 1 mg and 20 mg of drug are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 1 mg and 10 mg of drug are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol results in a peak plasma concentration of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone in the mammal in less than 1 h. Preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.5 h. More preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, or 0.005 h (arterial measurement).

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is used to treat insomnia.

In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a sedative-hypnotic through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic; and, b) a device that forms a sedative-hypnotic aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of a sedative-hypnotic.

Typically, the device contained in the kit comprises: a) an element for heating the sedative-hypnotic composition to form a vapor; b) an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol; and, c) an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol.

In another kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone; and, b) a device that forms a zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone.

Typically, the device contained in the kit comprises: a) an element for heating the zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone composition to form a vapor; b) an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol; and, c) an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device used to deliver sedative-hypnotic aerosols to a mammal through an inhalation route.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

“Aerodynamic diameter” of a given particle refers to the diameter of a spherical droplet with a density of 1 g/mL (the density of water) that has the same settling velocity as the given particle.

“Aerosol” refers to a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a gas.

“Aerosol drug mass density” refers to the mass of sedative-hypnotic per unit volume of aerosol.

“Aerosol mass density” refers to the mass of particulate matter per unit volume of aerosol.

“Aerosol particle density” refers to the number of particles per unit volume of aerosol.

“Amorphous particle” refers to a particle that does not contain more than 50 percent by weight of a crystalline form. Preferably, the particle does not contain more than 25 percent by weight of a crystalline form. More preferably, the particle does not contain more than 10 percent by weight of a crystalline form.

“Condensation aerosol” refers to an aerosol formed by vaporization of a substance followed by condensation of the substance into an aerosol.

“Inhalable aerosol drug mass density” refers to the aerosol drug mass density produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.

“Inhalable aerosol mass density” refers to the aerosol mass density produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.

“Inhalable aerosol particle density” refers to the aerosol particle density of particles of size between 100 nm and 5 microns produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.

“Mass median aerodynamic diameter” or “MMAD” of an aerosol refers to the aerodynamic diameter for which half the particulate mass of the aerosol is contributed by particles with an aerodynamic diameter larger than the MMAD and half by particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than the MMAD.

“Rate of aerosol formation” refers to the mass of aerosolized particulate matter produced by an inhalation device per unit time.

“Rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation” refers to the number of particles of size between 100 nm and 5 microns produced by an inhalation device per unit time.

“Rate of drug aerosol formation” refers to the mass of aerosolized sedative-hypnotic produced by an inhalation device per unit time.

“Settling velocity” refers to the terminal velocity of an aerosol particle undergoing gravitational settling in air.

“Sedative-hypnotic degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of a sedative-hypnotic. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis.

“Typical patient tidal volume” refers to 1 L for an adult patient and 15 mL/kg for a pediatric patient.

“Vapor” refers to a gas, and “vapor phase” refers to a gas phase. The term “thermal vapor” refers to a vapor phase, aerosol, or mixture of aerosol-vapor phases, formed preferably by heating.

“Zaleplon” refers to N[3-(3-cyanopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl]-N-ethylacetamide, which is a free base.

“Zaleplon” degradation product refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of zaleplon. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis. An example of a degradation products is C₁₃H₉N₅ (de-ethylation and de-amidation to provide unsubstituted aniline moiety).

“Zolpidem” refers to N,N,6-trimethyl-2-p-tolyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-acetamide, which is a free base.

“Zolpidem” degradation product refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of zolpidem. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis. An example of a degradation product is C₁₆H₁₄N₂O (amide removal).

“Zopiclone” refers to 4-methyl-1-piperazinecarboxylic acid 6[5-chloro-2-pyridinyl]-6,7-dihydro-7-oxo-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazin-5-yl ester.

“Zolpiclone” degradation product refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of zopiclone. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis. Examples of degradation products include 2-amino-5-chloropyridine and 1-methyl piperazine.

Formation of Sedative-Hypnotic Containing Aerosols

Any suitable method is used to form the aerosols of the present invention. A preferred method, however, involves heating a composition comprising a sedative-hypnotic to form a vapor, followed by cooling of the vapor such that it condenses to provide a sedative-hypnotic comprising aerosol (condensation aerosol). The composition is heated in one of four forms: as pure active compound (i.e., pure zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone); as a mixture of active compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; as a salt form of the pure active compound; and, as a mixture of active compound salt form and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Salt forms of sedative-hypnotics (e.g., zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone) are either commercially available or are obtained from the corresponding free base using well known methods in the art. A variety of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are suitable for aerosolization. Such salts include, without limitation, the following: hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, formic acid, and fumaric acid salts.

Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be volatile or nonvolatile. Volatile excipients, when heated, are concurrently volatilized, aerosolized and inhaled with the sedative-hypnotic. Classes of such excipients are known in the art and include, without limitation, gaseous, supercritical fluid, liquid and solid solvents. The following is a list of exemplary carriers within the classes: water; terpenes, such as menthol; alcohols, such as ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol and other similar alcohols; dimethylformamide; dimethylacetamide; wax; supercritical carbon dioxide; dry ice; and mixtures thereof.

Solid supports on which the composition is heated are of a variety of shapes. Examples of such shapes include, without limitation, cylinders of less than 1.0 mm in diameter, boxes of less than 1.0 mm thickness and virtually any shape permeated by small (e.g., less than 1.0 mm-sized) pores. Preferably, solid supports provide a large surface to volume ratio (e.g., greater than 100 per meter) and a large surface to mass ratio (e.g., greater than 1 cm² per gram).

A solid support of one shape can also be transformed into another shape with different properties. For example, a flat sheet of 0.25 mm thickness has a surface to volume ratio of approximately 8,000 per meter. Rolling the sheet into a hollow cylinder of 1 cm diameter produces a support that retains the high surface to mass ratio of the original sheet but has a lower surface to volume ratio (about 400 per meter).

A number of different materials are used to construct the solid supports. Classes of such materials include, without limitation, metals, inorganic materials, carbonaceous materials and polymers. The following are examples of the material classes: aluminum, silver, gold, stainless steel, copper and tungsten; silica, glass, silicon and alumina; graphite, porous carbons, carbon yarns and carbon felts; polytetrafluoroethylene and polyethylene glycol. Combinations of materials and coated variants of materials are used as well.

Where aluminum is used as a solid support, aluminum foil is a suitable material. Examples of silica, alumina and silicon based materials include amphorous silica S-5631 (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.), BCR171 (an alumina of defined surface area greater than 2 m²/g from Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) and a silicon wafer as used in the semiconductor industry. Carbon yarns and felts are available from American Kynol, Inc., New York, N.Y. Chromatography resins such as octadecycl silane chemically bonded to porous silica are exemplary coated variants of silica.

The heating of the sedative-hypnotic compositions is performed using any suitable method. Examples of methods by which heat can be generated include the following: passage of current through an electrical resistance element; absorption of electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave or laser light; and, exothermic chemical reactions, such as exothermic solvation, hydration of pyrophoric materials and oxidation of combustible materials.

Delivery of Sedative-Hypnotic Containing Aerosols

Sedative-hypnotic containing aerosols of the present invention are delivered to a mammal using an inhalation device. Where the aerosol is a condensation aerosol, the device has at least three elements: an element for heating a sedative-hypnotic containing composition to form a vapor; an element allowing the vapor to cool, thereby providing a condensation aerosol; and, an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol. Various suitable heating methods are described above. The element that allows cooling is, in it simplest form, an inert passageway linking the heating means to the inhalation means. The element permitting inhalation is an aerosol exit portal that forms a connection between the cooling element and the mammal's respiratory system.

One device used to deliver the sedative-hypnotic containing aerosol is described in reference to FIG. 1. Delivery device 100 has a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104, a heating module 106, a power source 108, and a mouthpiece 110. A sedative-hypnotic composition is deposited on a surface 112 of heating module 106. Upon activation of a user activated switch 114, power source 108 initiates heating of heating module 106 (e.g, through ignition of combustible fuel or passage of current through a resistive heating element). The sedative-hypnotic composition volatilizes due to the heating of heating module 106 and condenses to form a condensation aerosol prior to reaching the mouthpiece 110 at the proximal end of the device 102. Air flow traveling from the device distal end 104 to the mouthpiece 110 carries the condensation aerosol to the mouthpiece 110, where it is inhaled by the mammal.

Devices, if desired, contain a variety of components to facilitate the delivery of sedative-hypnotic containing aerosols. For instance, the device may include any component known in the art to control the timing of drug aerosolization relative to inhalation (e.g., breath-actuation), to provide feedback to patients on the rate and/or volume of inhalation, to prevent excessive use (i.e., “lock-out” feature), to prevent use by unauthorized individuals, and/or to record dosing histories.

Dosage of Sedative-Hypnotic Containing Aerosols

The dosage amount of sedative-hypnotics in aerosol form is generally no greater than twice the standard dose of the drug given orally. For instance, zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone are given orally at strengths of 5 mg or 10 mg for the treatment of insomnia. As aerosols, 0.5 mg to 40 mg of the compounds are generally provided per inspiration for the same indication. A typical dosage of a sedative-hypnotic aerosol is either administered as a single inhalation or as a series of inhalations taken within an hour or less (dosage equals sum of inhaled amounts). Where the drug is administered as a series of inhalations, a different amount may be delivered in each inhalation.

One can determine the appropriate dose of sedative-hypnotic containing aerosols to treat a particular condition using methods such as animal experiments and a dose-finding (Phase I/II) clinical trial. One animal experiment involves measuring plasma concentrations of drug in an animal after its exposure to the aerosol. Mammals such as dogs or primates are typically used in such studies, since their respiratory systems are similar to that of a human. Initial dose levels for testing in humans is generally less than or equal to the dose in the mammal model that resulted in plasma drug levels associated with a therapeutic effect in humans. Dose escalation in humans is then performed, until either an optimal therapeutic response is obtained or a dose-limiting toxicity is encountered.

Analysis of Sedative-Hypnotic Containing Aerosols

Purity of a sedative-hypnotic containing aerosol is determined using a number of methods, examples of which are described in Sekine et al., Journal of Forensic Science 32:1271-1280 (1987) and Martin et al., Journal of Analytic Toxicology 13:158-162 (1989). One method involves forming the aerosol in a device through which a gas flow (e.g., air flow) is maintained, generally at a rate between 0.4 and 60 L/min. The gas flow carries the aerosol into one or more traps. After isolation from the trap, the aerosol is subjected to an analytical technique, such as gas or liquid chromatography, that permits a determination of composition purity.

A variety of different traps are used for aerosol collection. The following list contains examples of such traps: filters; glass wool; impingers; solvent traps, such as dry ice-cooled ethanol, methanol, acetone and dichloromethane traps at various pH values; syringes that sample the aerosol; empty, low-pressure (e.g., vacuum) containers into which the aerosol is drawn; and, empty containers that fully surround and enclose the aerosol generating device. Where a solid such as glass wool is used, it is typically extracted with a solvent such as ethanol. The solvent extract is subjected to analysis rather than the solid (i.e., glass wool) itself. Where a syringe or container is used, the container is similarly extracted with a solvent.

The gas or liquid chromatograph discussed above contains a detection system (i.e., detector). Such detection systems are well known in the art and include, for example, flame ionization, photon absorption and mass spectrometry detectors. An advantage of a mass spectrometry detector is that it can be used to determine the structure of sedative-hypnotic degradation products.

Particle size distribution of a sedative-hypnotic containing aerosol is determined using any suitable method in the art (e.g., cascade impaction). An Andersen Eight Stage Non-viable Cascade Impactor (Andersen Instruments, Smyrna, Ga.) linked to a furnace tube by a mock throat (USP throat, Andersen Instruments, Smyrna, Ga.) is one system used for cascade impaction studies.

Inhalable aerosol mass density is determined, for example, by delivering a drug-containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the mass collected in the chamber. Typically, the aerosol is drawn into the chamber by having a pressure gradient between the device and the chamber, wherein the chamber is at lower pressure than the device. The volume of the chamber should approximate the tidal volume of an inhaling patient.

Inhalable aerosol drug mass density is determined, for example, by delivering a drug-containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the amount of active drug compound collected in the chamber. Typically, the aerosol is drawn into the chamber by having a pressure gradient between the device and the chamber, wherein the chamber is at lower pressure than the device. The volume of the chamber should approximate the tidal volume of an inhaling patient. The amount of active drug compound collected in the chamber is determined by extracting the chamber, conducting chromatographic analysis of the extract and comparing the results of the chromatographic analysis to those of a standard containing known amounts of drug.

Inhalable aerosol particle density is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the number of particles of given size collected in the chamber. The number of particles of a given size may be directly measured based on the light-scattering properties of the particles. Alternatively, the number of particles of a given size is determined by measuring the mass of particles within the given size range and calculating the number of particles based on the mass as follows: Total number of particles=Sum (from size range 1 to size range N) of number of particles in each size range. Number of particles in a given size range=Mass in the size range/Mass of a typical particle in the size range. Mass of a typical particle in a given size range=π*D³*φ/6, where D is a typical particle diameter in the size range (generally, the mean boundary MMADs defining the size range) in microns, (p is the particle density (in g/mL) and mass is given in units of picograms (g⁻¹²).

Rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device. The delivery is for a set period of time (e.g., 3 s), and the number of particles of a given size collected in the chamber is determined as outlined above. The rate of particle formation is equal to the number of 100 nm to 5 micron particles collected divided by the duration of the collection time.

Rate of aerosol formation is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device. The delivery is for a set period of time (e.g., 3 s), and the mass of particulate matter collected is determined by weighing the confined chamber before and after the delivery of the particulate matter. The rate of aerosol formation is equal to the increase in mass in the chamber divided by the duration of the collection time. Alternatively, where a change in mass of the delivery device or component thereof can only occur through release of the aerosol phase particulate matter, the mass of particulate matter may be equated with the mass lost from the device or component during the delivery of the aerosol. In this case, the rate of aerosol formation is equal to the decrease in mass of the device or component during the delivery event divided by the duration of the delivery event.

Rate of drug aerosol formation is determined, for example, by delivering a sedative-hypnotic containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device over a set period of time (e.g., 3 s). Where the aerosol is pure sedative-hypnotic, the amount of drug collected in the chamber is measured as described above. The rate of drug aerosol formation is equal to the amount of sedative-hypnotic collected in the chamber divided by the duration of the collection time. Where the sedative-hypnotic containing aerosol comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, multiplying the rate of aerosol formation by the percentage of sedative-hypnotic in the aerosol provides the rate of drug aerosol formation.

Utility of Sedative-Hypnotic Containing Aerosols

The sedative-hypnotic containing aerosols of the present invention are typically used for the treatment of insomnia. Other uses for the aerosols include, without limitation, the following: an anticonvulsant; an anxiolytic; and, a myorelaxant.

The following examples are meant to illustrate, rather than limit, the present invention.

Zolpidem and zopiclone are commercially available from Sigma (www.sigma-aldrich.com). Zaleplon is available in capsule form (SONATA®) and can be isolated using standard methods in the art.

EXAMPLE 1 Volatilization of Zaleplon

A solution of 5.5 mg zaleplon in approximately 120 μL dichloromethane was coated on a 3 cm×8 cm piece of aluminum foil. The dichloromethane was allowed to evaporate. The coated foil was wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube (Feit Electric Company, Pico Rivera, Calif.), which was inserted into a glass tube sealed at one end with a rubber stopper. Running 60 V of alternating current (driven by line power controlled by a variac) through the bulb for 7 s afforded zaleplon thermal vapor (including zaleplon aerosol), which collected on the glass tube walls. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis with detection by absorption of 225 nm light showed the collected material to be greater than 99% pure zaleplon.

EXAMPLE 2 Volatilization of Zolpidem

A solution of 5.3 mg zolpidem in approximately 120 μL dichloromethane was coated on a 3 cm×8 cm piece of aluminum foil. The dichloromethane was allowed to evaporate. The coated foil was wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube (Feit Electric Company, Pico Rivera, Calif.), which was inserted into a glass tube sealed at one end with a rubber stopper. Running 60 V of alternating current (driven by line power controlled by a variac) through the bulb for 6 s afforded zolpidem thermal vapor (including zolpidem aerosol), which collected on the glass tube walls. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis with detection by absorption of 225 nm light showed the collected material to be greater than 99% pure zolpidem.

EXAMPLE 3 Volatilization of Zopiclone

A solution of 3.5 mg zopiclone in approximately 120 μL dichloromethane was coated on a 3 cm×8 cm piece of aluminum foil. The dichloromethane was allowed to evaporate. The coated foil was wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube (Feit Electric Company, Pico Rivera, Calif.), which was inserted into a glass tube sealed at one end with a rubber stopper. Running 60 V of alternating current (driven by line power controlled by a variac) through the bulb for 6 s afforded zopiclone thermal vapor (including zopiclone aerosol), which collected on the glass tube walls. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis with detection by absorption of 225 nm light showed the collected material to be greater than 99% pure zopiclone.

EXAMPLE 4 Particle Size, Particle Density, and Rate of Inhalable Particle Formation of Zolpidem Aerosol

A solution of 10.7 mg zolpidem in 100 μL dichloromethane was spread out in a thin layer on the central portion of a 3.5 cm×7 cm sheet of aluminum foil. The dichloromethane was allowed to evaporate. The aluminum foil was wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube, which was inserted into a T-shaped glass tube. Both of the openings of the tube were sealed with parafilm, which was punctured with fifteen needles for air flow. The third opening was connected to a 1 liter, 3-neck glass flask. The glass flask was further connected to a large piston capable of drawing 1.1 liters of air through the flask. Alternating current was run through the halogen bulb by application of 90 V using a variac connected to 110 V line power. Within 1 s, an aerosol appeared and was drawn into the 1 L flask by use of the piston, with collection of the aerosol terminated after 6 s. The aerosol was analyzed by connecting the 1 L flask to an eight-stage Andersen non-viable cascade impactor. Results are shown in table 1. MMAD of the collected aerosol was 2.9 microns with a geometric standard deviation of 2.1. Also shown in table 1 is the number of particles collected on the various stages of the cascade impactor, given by the mass collected on the stage divided by the mass of a typical particle trapped on that stage. The mass of a single particle of diameter D is given by the volume of the particle, πD³/6, multiplied by the density of the drug (taken to be 1 g/cm³). The inhalable aerosol particle density is the sum of the numbers of particles collected on impactor stages 3 to 8 divided by the collection volume of 1 L, giving an inhalable aerosol particle density of 3.9×10⁶ particles/mL. The rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation is the sum of the numbers of particles collected on impactor stages 3 through 8 divided by the formation time of 6 s, giving a rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of 6.4×10⁸ particles/second. TABLE 1 Determination of the characteristics of a zolpidem condensation aerosol by cascade impaction using an Andersen 8-stage non-viable cascade impactor run at 1 cubic foot per minute air flow. Mass Particle size Average particle collected Number of Stage range (microns) size (microns) (mg) particles 0  9.0-10.0 9.5 0.1 2.2 × 10⁵ 1 5.8-9.0 7.4 0.3 1.4 × 10⁶ 2 4.7-5.8 5.25 0.4 5.3 × 10⁶ 3 3.3-4.7 4.0 0.9 2.7 × 10⁷ 4 2.1-3.3 2.7 1.1 1.1 × 10⁸ 5 1.1-2.1 1.6 0.8 3.7 × 10⁸ 6 0.7-1.1 0.9 0.4 1.1 × 10⁹ 7 0.4-0.7 0.55 0.2 2.3 × 10⁹ 8   0-0.4 0.2 0.0 0

EXAMPLE 5 Drug Mass Density and Rate of Drug Aerosol Formation of Zolpidem Aerosol

A solution of 8.3 mg zolpidem in 100 μL dichloromethane was spread out in a thin layer on the central portion of a 3.5 cm×7 cm sheet of aluminum foil. The dichloromethane was allowed to evaporate. The aluminum foil was wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube, which was inserted into a T-shaped glass tube. Both of the openings of the tube were sealed with parafilm, which was punctured with fifteen needles for air flow. The third opening was connected to a 1 liter, 3-neck glass flask. The glass flask was further connected to a large piston capable of drawing 1.1 liters of air through the flask. Alternating current was run through the halogen bulb by application of 90 V using a variac connected to 110 V line power. Within seconds, an aerosol appeared and was drawn into the 1 L flask by use of the piston, with formation of the aerosol terminated after 6 s. The aerosol was allowed to sediment onto the walls of the 1 L flask for approximately 30 minutes. The flask was then extracted with acetonitrile and the extract analyzed by HPLC with detection by light absorption at 225 nm. Comparison with standards containing known amounts of zolpidem revealed that 3.7 mg of >97% pure zolpidem had been collected in the flask, resulting in an aerosol drug mass density of 3.7 mg/L. The aluminum foil upon which the zolpidem had previously been coated was weighed following the experiment. Of the 8.3 mg originally coated on the aluminum, 7.4 mg of the material was found to have aerosolized in the 6 s time period, implying a rate of drug aerosol formation of 1.2 mg/s. 

1. A method of treating insomnia comprising administering a therapeutic amount of a sedative hypnotic drug condensation aerosol, having an MMAD less than 3 μm and less than 5% sedative hypnotic drug degradation products, to a patient by inhalation, upon activation by the patient of the formation of, and delivery of, the condensation aerosol.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said condensation aerosol is formed by a. volatilizing an sedative hypnotic drug under conditions effective to produce a heated vapor of the sedative hypnotic drug; and b. condensing the heated vapor of the sedative hypnotic drug to form condensation aerosol particles.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said administration results in a peak plasma concentration of said sedative hypnotic drug in less than 0.1 hours.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the sedative hypnotic drug is selected from the group consisting of zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone.
 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the administered aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.5 mg/second.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least 50% by weight of the condensation aerosol is amorphous in form.
 7. A method of treating insomnia comprising administering a therapeutic amount of a zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone condensation aerosol, having an MMAD less than 3 μm and less than 5% zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone degradation products, to a patient by inhalation, upon activation by the patient of the formation of, and delivery of, the condensation aerosol.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said condensation aerosol is formed by a. volatilizing zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone under conditions effective to produce a heated vapor of zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone; and b. condensing the heated vapor of zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone to form condensation aerosol particles.
 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein said administration results in a peak plasma concentration of zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone in less than 0.1 hours.
 10. The method according to claim 7, wherein at least 50% by weight of the condensation aerosol is amorphous in form.
 11. A method of administering a sedative hypnotic drug to a patient to achieve a peak plasma drug concentration rapidly, comprising administering to the patient by inhalation an aerosol of a sedative hypnotic drug having less than 5% sedative hypnotic drug degradation products and an MMAD less than 3 microns wherein the peak plasma concentration of the sedative hypnotic drug is achieved in less than 0.1 hours.
 12. A method of administering zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone to a patient to achieve a peak plasma drug concentration rapidly, comprising administering to the patient by inhalation an aerosol of zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone having less than 5% zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone degradation products and an MMAD less than 3 microns wherein the peak plasma drug concentration of zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone is achieved in less than 0.1 hours.
 13. A kit for delivering a drug aerosol comprising: a) a thin coating of an sedative hypnotic drug composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
 14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the sedative hypnotic drug in the composition is selected from the group consisting zaleplon, zolpidem, or zopiclone.
 15. The kit of claim 13, wherein the device for dispensing said coating of a sedative hypnotic drug composition as an aerosol comprises (a) a flow through enclosure, (b) contained within the enclosure, a metal substrate with a foil-like surface and having a thin coating of an sedative hypnotic drug composition formed on the substrate surface, (c) a power source that can be activated to heat the substrate to a temperature effective to volatilize the sedative hypnotic drug composition contained in said coating, and (d) inlet and exit portals through which air can be drawn through said device by inhalation, wherein heating the substrate by activation of the power source is effective to form a sedative hypnotic drug vapor containing less than 5% sedative hypnotic drug degradation products, and drawing air through said chamber is effective to condense the sedative hypnotic drug vapor to form aerosol particles wherein the aerosol has an MMAD of less than 3 microns.
 16. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the heat for heating the substrate is generated by an exothermic chemical reaction.
 17. The kit according to claim 16, wherein said exothermic chemical reaction is oxidation of combustible materials.
 18. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the heat for heating the substrate is generated by passage of current through an electrical resistance element.
 19. The kit according to claim 15, wherein said substrate has a surface area dimensioned to accommodate a therapeutic dose of a sedative hypnotic drug composition in said coating.
 20. The kit according to claim 13, wherein a peak plasma concentration of sedative hypnotic drug is obtained in less than 0.1 hours after delivery of the condensation aerosol to the pulmonary system.
 21. The kit of claim 13, further including instructions for use. 